Organic electroluminescence display device and method of manufacturing organic electroluminescence display device

ABSTRACT

The organic electroluminescence display device of an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate, a plurality of pixels formed on the substrate, and a sealing film that covers the plurality of pixels. The sealing film includes a first barrier layer, a base layer covering the top surface of the first barrier layer, an inter layer locally formed on the top surface of the base layer, and a second barrier layer covering the top surface of the base layer and the top surface of the inter layer. The inter layer is formed so as to cover a step on the top surface of the base layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese application JP2013-53469 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to organic electroluminescence displaydevices, and organic electroluminescence display device manufacturingmethods.

2. Description of the Related Art

The organic electroluminescence light-emitting element has attractedinterest as a thin, light-weight luminescent source, and image displaydevices provided with large numbers of organic electroluminescencelight-emitting elements have been developed.

Such an organic electroluminescence light-emitting element is structuredto include an organic layer having a light-emitting layer, and theorganic layer is sandwiched between an anode and a cathode.

An organic electroluminescence display device configured to include asealing film that covers the top surface of an organic layer isproposed. The sealing film is provided as a laminate of a planarizingdecoupling layer, and a barrier layer that prevents entry of moisture.The outer edge of the decoupling layer is also covered with the barrierlayer.

In the configuration of related art, there is a possibility of moisturepermeating into the decoupling layer when the barrier layer covering thetop surface of the decoupling layer is damaged by, for example, scratch.Further, any irregularities formed in the top surface of the decouplinglayer prevent deposition of the barrier layer around theseirregularities during the formation of the barrier layer. This may causemoisture permeation in the decoupling layer through the areas around theirregularities.

The sealing film is commonly provided for a plurality of pixels, andaccordingly any moisture permeating the decoupling layer diffuses over aplurality of pixels. The decoupling layer affected by the moisturediffusion swells, and detaches itself from the barrier layer. Thiscauses problems such as low luminance and low strength in the organicelectroluminescence display device. Indeed, it has been difficult toimprove the brightness and the reliability of an organicelectroluminescence display device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made under these circumstances, and it isan object of the present invention to provide an organicelectroluminescence display device having improved brightness andreliability.

(1) An organic electroluminescence display device according to an aspectof the present invention includes:

a substrate;

a plurality of pixels formed on the substrate; and

a sealing film that covers the plurality of pixels, and that includes:

-   -   a first barrier layer;    -   a base layer that covers a top surface of the first barrier        layer;    -   an inter layer locally formed on a top surface of the base        layer; and    -   a second barrier layer that covers the top surface of the base        layer and a top surface of the inter layer,    -   wherein the inter layer is formed so as to cover a step on the        top surface of the base layer.

(2) In the organic electroluminescence display device of (1), the interlayer formed in the plurality of pixels may be separated from oneanother between adjacent pixels.

(3) In the organic electroluminescence display device of (1) or (2), theinter layer may be made of organic material.

(4) In the organic electroluminescence display device of (1) or (2), thefirst barrier layer may be made of Si.

(5) In the organic electroluminescence display device of (1) or (2), thesecond barrier layer may be made of Si.

(6) An organic electroluminescence display device according to anotheraspect of the present invention includes pixels formed on a substrate,the pixels each including:

a thin film transistor;

a pixel electrode controlled by the thin film transistor;

an organic layer disposed on the pixel electrode; and

a counter electrode disposed on the organic layer,

wherein the pixels are covered with a sealing film, and

wherein the sealing film on the pixels includes:

-   -   a first region where a first barrier layer, a base layer, and a        second barrier layer are laminated; and    -   a second region where the first barrier layer, the base layer,        an inter layer, and the second barrier layer are laminated.

(7) In the organic electroluminescence display device of (6), the pixelelectrode may have an end portion covered with a pixel isolation film,the first region may overlie an emission region of the pixel, and thesecond region may partially overlie the pixel isolation film.

(8) In the organic electroluminescence display device of (6), the pixelelectrode may have an end portion covered with a pixel isolation film,and a contact angle of the inter layer with respect to the base film inthe emission region may be smaller than a contact angle of the pixelisolation film with respect to the pixel electrode.

(9) A method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence displaydevice according to another aspect of the present invention includes thesteps of:

forming a plurality of organic electroluminescence light-emittingelement on a substrate, the plurality of organic electroluminescencelight-emitting elements being formed for each of a plurality of pixels;and

forming a sealing film so as to cover the organic electroluminescencelight-emitting elements over the plurality of pixels,

wherein the step of forming the sealing film includes the steps of:

-   -   forming a first barrier layer;    -   forming a base layer that covers a top surface of the first        barrier layer;    -   forming an inter layer locally on a top surface of the base        layer; and    -   forming a second barrier layer that covers the top surface of        the base layer and a top surface of the inter layer,    -   wherein the affinity between the material of the base layer and        the material of the inter layer is higher than the affinity        between the material of the first barrier layer and the material        of the inter layer, and    -   wherein the inter layer formed in the inter layer forming step        covers a step created by local protrusion in part of the top        surface of the base layer relative to the top surface of the        base layer.

(10) In the method of (9), the inter layer formed in the inter layerforming step may be separated from one another between adjacent pixels.

(11) In the method of (9) or (10), the inter layer may be made oforganic material.

(12) In the method of (9) or (10), the first barrier layer may be madeof Si.

(13) In the method of (9) or (10), the second barrier layer may be madeof Si.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an organic electroluminescencedisplay device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the organicelectroluminescence display device of FIG. 1 at line II-II.

FIG. 3 is a partially magnified view of region III of the organicelectroluminescence display device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partially magnified view of region IV of the organicelectroluminescence display device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of the organicelectroluminescence display device of FIG. 4 at line V-V.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross sectional view at line V-V, explaining anorganic electroluminescence display device manufacturing methodaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view at line V-V, explaining theorganic electroluminescence display device manufacturing methodaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view at line V-V, explaining theorganic electroluminescence display device manufacturing methodaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart explaining the organic electroluminescence displaydevice manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a pixel section of the organicelectroluminescence display device of the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of the organicelectroluminescence display device of FIG. 10 at line XI-XI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An organic electroluminescence display device 1 as an embodiment of thepresent invention is described below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the drawings referred to in the following descriptions,certain features may be enlarged for illustrative purposes, and thedimensions of each constituting element do not necessarily reflect theactual scale. Further, materials and other features exemplified in thefollowing descriptions are presented for merely illustrative purposes,and each constituting element is not limited to what is described below,and may be applied in many variations within the gist of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the organic electroluminescencedisplay device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the organicelectroluminescence display device 1 of FIG. 1 at line II-II.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the organic electroluminescence display device1 according to the present embodiment includes a substrate 10, a circuitlayer 12, an organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30, asealing film 40, and a counter substrate 50 disposed on the sealing film40 via a filler 45.

The substrate 10 is an insulating substrate, and has a top surface 10 aon which a thin film transistor 11 (described later), and the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 are formed. The organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 is provided above the topsurface 10 a of the substrate 10. Note that the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 shown in the figure is oneof a plurality of organic electroluminescence light-emitting elements 30provided above the top surface 10 a of the substrate 10, and is notdetailed in FIG. 2 for convenience of explanation.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the organic electroluminescence light-emittingelement 30 is provided, for example, in a display region D having asmaller outer perimeter than the substrate 10 in planar view. A blockadeDM for blocking the filler 45 is disposed in an outer region of thedisplay region D, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Wires such ascontrol signal lines, data signal lines, and power lines (notillustrated) are provided on the substrate 10 in regions correspondingto the display region D. A multiplicity of pixels is orderly disposed inthe display region D, for example, in a matrix.

The substrate 10 is connected to a flexible circuit board 2, and adriver 3 is provided in a region 10 a 1 on the top surface 10 a of thesubstrate 10 where the organic electroluminescence light-emittingelement 30 is not formed. The driver 3 receives image data from outsideof the organic electroluminescence display device 1 via the flexiblecircuit board 2. Upon receiving image data, the driver 3 supplies avoltage signal to the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element30 via data lines (not illustrated), and the voltage signal is appliedto each pixel.

The configuration of the display region D of the organicelectroluminescence display device 1 is described below in greaterdetail. FIG. 3 is a partially magnified view of region III of theorganic electroluminescence display device 1 shown in FIG. 2. Region IIIcorresponds to a single pixel P in the display region D. The circuitlayer 12, the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30, thesealing film 40, the filler 45, and the counter substrate 50 arelaminated on the substrate 10 in region III.

The circuit layer 12 is a layer in which an electrical circuit forcontrolling the amount of current flow to each pixel P is orderlydisposed. The circuit layer 12 includes, for example, the thin filmtransistor 11, and a passivation film 13.

The thin film transistor 11 is provided to drive the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30, and is provided for eachpixel P on the substrate 10. Specifically, the thin film transistors 11is configured from, for example, a polysilicon semiconductor layer 11 a,a gate insulating layer 11 b, a gate electrode 11 c, a source-drainelectrode 11 d, a first insulating film 11 e, and a second insulatingfilm 11 f.

The passivation film 13 is formed so as to cover the thin filmtransistors 11. By being formed on the thin film transistors 11, thepassivation film 13 provides electrical insulation between the adjacentthin film transistors 11, and between the thin film transistor 11 andthe organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30. Thepassivation film 13 has a contact hole 32 a formed for each pixel P toconnect the thin film transistor 11 to the organic electroluminescencelight-emitting element 30. The passivation film 13 is made of aninsulating material, for example, such as SiO₂, SiN, acryl, andpolyimide. The top surface of the passivation film 13 can be planarizedwhen the passivation film 13 is made of an organic polymer resin such asacryl and polyimide. This makes it easier to form the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30.

The configuration of the circuit layer 12 is not limited to this, andmay appropriately include other components such as an insulating layer,scan signal lines, video signal lines, power lines, and ground lines.

A reflecting film 31 may be formed in a matrix in a region of thepassivation film 13 corresponding to each pixel P. The reflecting film31 is provided to reflect the emitted light from the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 toward the sealing film 40side. Desirably, the reflectance of the reflecting film 31 should bemade as high as possible, and a metal film of, for example, aluminum orsilver (Ag) is used.

For example, more than one organic electroluminescence light-emittingelement 30 is formed on the passivation film 13. The organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 includes a pixel electrode(anode) 32 controlled by the thin film transistor 11; an organic layer33 that has at least a light-emitting layer, and is disposed on thepixel electrode 32; and a counter electrode (cathode) 34 formed so as tocover the organic layer 33. With these members, the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 serves as a luminescentsource. The present embodiment is described through the case where thepixel electrode 32 and the counter electrode 34 are anode and cathode,respectively. However, the pixel electrode 32 and the counter electrode34 may be provided as cathode and anode, respectively.

The anode 32 is formed in a matrix, corresponding to each pixel P. Theanode 32 is connected to the drain electrode 11 d of the thin filmtransistor 11 via the contact hole 32 a. With this configuration, theanode 32 is electrically connected to the driving thin film transistor11, and the drive current supplied from the thin film transistor 11 isfed to the organic layer 33 via the anode 32.

The anode 32 is made of translucent conductive material. Specifically,for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is preferably used as material ofthe anode 32. It is also possible to use other translucent conductivematerials, for example, such as IZO (indium zinc oxide), tin oxide, zincoxide, indium oxide, and aluminum oxide. The anode 32 is in contact withthe hole injection layer (described later) of the organic layer 33, andshould preferably be made of materials having large work functions.

Note that the reflecting film 31 becomes part of the anode 32 when thereflecting film 31 is made of metal such as silver, and is in contactwith the anode 32.

A pixel isolation film 14 is formed between the adjacent anodes 32. Thepixel isolation film 14 serves to prevent the adjacent anodes 32 fromcontacting each other, and to prevent a current leak between the anode32 and the cathode 34. The pixel isolation film 14 is formed, forexample, along the boundary of the adjacent pixels P in planar view, andcovers the end portion on the outer periphery of the anode 32. The anode32 and the organic layer 33 contact each other in the opening of thepixel isolation film 14. The pixel isolation film 14 is made ofinsulating material, specifically, for example, a photosensitive resincomposition.

The organic layer 33 having a light-emitting layer is formed so as tocover the anode 32. The organic layer 33 has a light emitting function.The emitted light may be white, or other colors. The organic layer 33may be provided for each pixel P, or may be formed so as to cover thewhole surface of the pixel P region of the display region D.

The organic layer 33 includes, for example, a hole injection layer, ahole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transportlayer, and an electron injection layer, laminated in this order from theanode 32 side. The laminate structure of the organic layer 33 is notlimited to this, and the organic layer 33 is not limited to a specificlaminate structure, as long as it includes at least a light-emittinglayer.

The light-emitting layer is configured from, for example, an organicelectroluminescence material that emits light upon recombination ofholes and electrons. For example, such organic electroluminescencematerial may be a common organic light-emitting material. Specificexamples include known fluorescent low-molecular materials that can emitlight from the singlet state, for example, such as coumalin, perylene,pyran, anthrone, porphyrin, quinacridone, N,N′-dialkyl-substitutedquinacridone, naphthalimide, and N,N′-diaryl-substituted pyrrolopyrrolematerials. Known phosphorescent low-molecular materials that can emitlight from the triplet state, for example, such as rare-earth metalcomplex materials also may be used.

The cathode 34 is formed so as to cover the organic layer 33. Thecathode 34 is formed so as to cover the whole surface of the pixel Pregion of the display region D, instead of being independently providedfor each pixel P. With this configuration, the cathode 34 is commonly incontact with each organic layer 33 of the organic electroluminescencelight-emitting elements 30.

The cathode 34 is made of translucent conductive material. Specifically,for example, ITO is preferably used as material of the cathode 34. It isalso possible to use mixtures of conductive metal oxides such as ITO andIZO with metals such as silver and magnesium, or a laminate of ametallic thin film such as silver and magnesium with conductive metaloxides.

The sealing film 40 covers the organic electroluminescencelight-emitting elements 30 (the top surface 34 a of the cathode 34) overthe plurality of pixels P. The sealing film 40 is a protectivetransparent film provided to prevent entry of oxygen and moisture to theorganic layer 33 and other layers. The sealing film 40 of the presentembodiment includes a first barrier layer 40 a, a base layer 40 b, aninter layer 40 c, and a second barrier layer 40 d.

The first barrier layer 40 a serves to prevent entry of oxygen andmoisture to the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30.The first barrier layer 40 a may be made of materials such as SiN, SiON,and SiO. However, the material is not limited to these, provided that itcan block moisture and oxygen. The first barrier layer 40 a is formed soas to cover the whole surface of the pixel P region of the displayregion D.

The top surface 40 a 1 of the first barrier layer 40 a is covered withthe base layer 40 b. The base layer 40 b has affinity to the material ofthe inter layer 40 c. The base layer 40 b is formed so as to cover thewhole surface of the first barrier layer 40 a. The base layer 40 b maybe made of materials, for example, such as a-Si (amorphous silicon),SiO₂, and SiO. However, the material is not limited to these, as long asit is lyophilic to the material of the inter layer 40 c.

The inter layer 40 c is locally formed on the top surface 40 b 1 of thebase layer 40 b. The inter layer 40 c serves to cover local protrudingportions on the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b. Theconfiguration of the inter layer 40 c is described below in greaterdetail.

The second barrier layer 40 d serves to prevent entry of oxygen andmoisture to the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30.The second barrier layer 40 d may be made of materials such as SiN,SiON, and SiO. However, the material is not limited to these, as long asit can block moisture and oxygen. The second barrier layer 40 d isformed so as to cover the whole surface of the pixel P region of thedisplay region D.

FIG. 4 is a partially magnified view of region IV of the organicelectroluminescence display device 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is aschematic cross sectional view of the organic electroluminescencedisplay device 1 of FIG. 4 at line V-V. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, thecross section shows the state where the sealing film 40 covers a foreignobject 41 a such as dust adhering to the cathode 34 provided as thecounter electrode in the pixel P region. FIG. 5 depicts an exemplaryconfiguration in which the foreign object 41 a forms a local protrudingportion 41 when the barrier layer 40 a and the base layer 40 b arelaminated thereon. For convenience of explanation, the counter substrate50, the filler 45, and the second barrier layer 40 d (described later)are omitted in FIG. 4.

As used herein, “protruding portion 41” refers to a raised portion of aheight that exceeds the production tolerance specified for theirregularities that occur in the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40b during the formation of the first barrier layer 40 a and the baselayer 40 b. Specifically, for example, “protruding portion 41” mayrepresent a raised portion formed by a bubble that may occur during theproduction, or a raised portion formed by the foreign object 41 a, forexample, dust adhered to the cathode 34, the first barrier layer 40 a,or the base layer 40 b.

In the embodiment below, the effect of the present invention isdescribed through the case where the foreign object 41 a has adhered tothe cathode 34. Specifically, the organic electroluminescence displaydevice 1 will be described as having the protruding portion 41. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the portion 41 in the present embodiment isconfigured from the foreign object 41 a, a first barrier layer covering40 a 2 (a portion of the first barrier layer 40 a covering the foreignobject 41 a), and a base layer covering 40 b 2 (a portion of the baselayer 40 b covering the first barrier layer covering 40 a 2).

The inter layer 40 c covers step S between the portion 41 and the topsurface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b. The portion of the inter layer 40c covering the step S will be referred to as a first covering portion 40c 2. The step S is the difference from a lower portion 41 c (the portionof the portion 41 closest to the substrate 10) to an upper portion 41 d(the portion of the portion 41 farthest from the substrate 10). Theheight of the step S is height d1.

The first covering portion 40 c 2 covers at least the upper portion 41 dof the portion 41. The first covering portion 40 c 2 of the presentembodiment covers, for example, the whole surface of the portion 41, andthe top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b over a certain range fromthe lower portion 41 c.

Assume that the height to the top surface 40 c 1 of the first coveringportion 40 c 2 with respect to the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer40 b exposed from the inter layer 40 c is height d2. In this case,covering the step S with the first covering portion 40 c 2 makes theheight d2 smaller than the height d1. Specifically, the surface formedby the top surface 40 c 1 of the inter layer 40 c (first coveringportion 40 c 2) and the top surface 40 b 1 exposed from the inter layer40 c can have better flatness than the surface formed by the top surface40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b and the protruding portion 41. That is,the inter layer 40 c can serve to planarize the underlyingirregularities below the inter layer 40 c. As a result of forming theinter layer 40 c, the film formed on the inter layer 40 c is planarized,and fractures caused by the underlying steps and irregularities belowthe inter layer 40 c can be prevented.

In addition to covering the step S, the inter layer 40 c may be formedto cover, for example, a corner portion 42 of the top surface 40 b 1 ofthe base layer 40 b. The corner portion 42 is the boundary between thetop surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b in pixel P, and the topsurface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b on the pixel isolation film 14.When the inter layer 40 c covering the corner portion 42 is a secondcovering portion 40 c 3, the second covering portion 40 c 3 is formed onthe top surface 40 b 1, along the inner periphery of the opening of thepixel isolation film 14.

Preferably, the inter layer 40 c formed in the plurality of pixels P isseparated from one another between the adjacent pixels P. Specifically,for example, the inter layer 40 c, including the first covering portion40 c 2, the second covering portion 40 c 3, and an island-shaped interlayer 40 c is formed on the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b inthe pixel P, and these are separated from the inter layer 40 c formed inthe adjacent pixels P.

Thus, in the emission region, the contact angle α of each inter layer 40c formed on the top surface 40 b 1 with respect to the top surface 40 b1 of the base layer 40 b (the angle made by the top surface 40C1 of eachinter layer 40 c and the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b)becomes smaller than 90°. In the present embodiment, “emission region”means a region where the anode 32 and the organic layer 33 are incontact with each other, and that is exposed from the pixel isolationfilm 14. The contact angle α is also smaller than contact angle β, anangle created between the pixel isolation film 14 and the anode 32.Because the contact angle α is smaller than the contact angle β, thestep created by the second barrier layer 40 d covering the step formedby the pixel isolation film 14, the anode 32, and the second coveringportion 40 c 3 is more gradual than the step created when the secondbarrier layer 40 d directly covers the corner portion 42. The interlayer 40 c may also be formed in any other portions, provided that theinter layer 40 c covers at least the step S.

The inter layer 40 c is made of an insulator. The material of the interlayer 40 c is preferably an organic material, and, specifically, acrylmay be used. The material of the inter layer 40 c is not limited toacryl. The material of the interlayer 40 c is not limited, provided thatthe affinity between the material of the inter layer 40 c and thematerial of the base layer 40 b is higher than the affinity between thematerial of the inter layer 40 c and the material of the second barrierlayer 40 d (described later). The base layer 40 b can have smallersurface energy than the second barrier layer 40 d when the inter layer40 c, the base layer 40 b, and the second barrier layer 40 d are made ofmaterials that satisfy these conditions.

The second barrier layer 40 d serves to prevent entry of oxygen andmoisture to the inter layer 40 c and other layers provided closer to thesubstrate 10 than the second barrier layer 40 d. The second barrierlayer 40 d is made of SiN, and is formed so as to cover the top surface40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b, and the top surface 40 c 1 of the interlayer 40 c.

The top surface of the sealing film 40 is covered by the countersubstrate 50, for example, via the filler 45. The counter substrate 50is, for example, a glass substrate having a smaller outer perimeter thanthe substrate 10 in planar view, and is disposed opposite the substrate10. Specifically, for example, a color filter substrate may be used asthe counter substrate 50.

In the organic electroluminescence display device 1 of the embodiment ofthe present invention, the first covering portion 40 c 2 covers at leastthe step S created by protrusion of the portion 41 in the top surface 40b 1 of the base layer 40 b relative to the top surface 40 b 1 of thebase layer 40 b. In this way, the surface formed by the top surface 40 c1 of the inter layer 40 c (first covering portion 40 c 2) and the topsurface 40 b 1 exposed from the inter layer 40 c can have betterflatness than the surface formed by the top surface 40 b 1 of the baselayer 40 b and the protruding portion 41, as compared to an organicelectroluminescence display device that does not have the foregoingconfiguration.

Further, because the inter layer 40 c is localized, any accidentalmoisture permeation and diffusion to a part of the inter layer 40 c isconfined within the local region of the inter layer 40 c where the entryof moisture took place. Moisture diffusion through the inter layer 40 ccan thus be prevented more effectively than in an organicelectroluminescence display device that does not have the foregoingconfiguration. This makes it possible to prevent spread of a detachmentregion in the interlayer 40 c due to moisture diffusion. The organicelectroluminescence display device 1 can thus have improved brightnessand reliability.

Further, with the second covering portion 40 c 3 of the inter layer 40 ccovering the corner portion 42, the top surface 40 b 1 of the base film40 b in the pixel P forms a gradual step with the top surface 40 b 1 ofthe base layer 40 b on the pixel isolation film 14. In this way, thesecond barrier layer 40 d can be more uniformly covered inside andoutside of the pixel P as compared to an organic electroluminescencedisplay device that does not have the foregoing configuration. Thisprevents moisture entry to the inter layer 40 c, and improves thereliability of the organic electroluminescence display device 1.

Further, because the inter layer 40 c formed in the plurality of pixelsP is separated from one another between the adjacent pixels P, anyaccidental moisture entry to a part of the inter layer 40 c does notspread to the adjacent pixels P from the pixel P in which the moisturehas entered. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent moisturediffusion to the adjacent pixels P than in an organicelectroluminescence display device that does not have the foregoingconfiguration.

When an organic material is used as the material of the inter layer 40c, and the base layer 40 b is made of a material having affinity to theorganic material, the inter layer 40 c preferentially forms at the stepS of the portion 41 and the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b,the corner portion 42 corresponding to the boundary between the anode 32and the pixel isolation film 14, and other irregular portions, asopposed to flat portions on the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40b. Formation of the inter layer 40 c can thus be controlled in a mannerallowing it to be formed locally in step portions such as in step S, andnot formed in flat portions in the pixel P, and in flat portions on thepixel isolation film 14.

A manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescence display device1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 6 is a schematic crosssectional view at line V-V, explaining the organic electroluminescencedisplay device manufacturing method of the embodiment of the presentinvention. The figure depicts a configuration before the sealing film 40is formed.

The manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescence displaydevice 1 of the present embodiment includes the step of forming thecircuit layer 12, the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element30, the sealing film 40, and the counter substrate 50 on the substrate10.

First, the insulating substrate 10 is prepared. Thereafter, for example,the polysilicon semiconductor layer 11 a, the gate insulating layer 11b, the gate electrode 11 c, the source-drain electrode 11 d, the firstinsulating film 11 e, and the second insulating film 11 f are laminatedin the display region D of the substrate 10 to form the thin filmtransistor 11. This is followed by formation of the circuit layer 12 byforming the passivation film 13 of insulating material over the thinfilm transistor 11.

The contact hole 32 a to be connected to the thin film transistor 11 isthen formed in the passivation film 13 and the second insulating film 11f. The metallic reflecting film 31 is then formed on the passivationfilm 13 in a region corresponding to each pixel P.

Thereafter, the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30 isformed for each pixel P on the substrate 10, via the circuit layer 12.The step of forming the organic electroluminescence light-emittingelement 30 includes a step of forming the anode 32, a step of formingthe organic layer 33 that has at least a light-emitting layer, and astep of forming the cathode 34.

First, the anode 32, made of, for example, a translucent conductivematerial such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), is formed on the passivationfilm 13 (reflecting film 31) in a region corresponding to each pixel P,using a method, for example, such as sputtering. Upon formation, theanode 32 is electrically connected to the thin film transistor 11 viathe contact hole 32 a. The reflecting film 31 becomes part of the anode32 when the anode 32 is formed in contact with the top surface of themetallic reflecting film 31.

The pixel isolation film 14 made of photosensitive insulating materialis then formed in a portion of the region between the adjacent pixels Pby, for example, photolithography. The pixel isolation film 14 is firstdeposited over the surface of the display region D. An opening thatexposes the top surface of the anode 32 of each pixel P is then formedso as not to expose the end portion of the anode 32 provided as thepixel electrode. As a result, the pixel isolation film 14 is formed thatcovers the outer periphery of the anode 32 in the form of a bank.

Thereafter, the organic layer 33 having a light-emitting layer is formedon the anode 32. The organic layer 33 is formed, for example, bylaminating the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, thelight-emitting layer, the electron transport layer, and the electroninjection layer (not illustrated) in order from the anode 32 side. Theorganic layer 33 may be formed by using known methods, for example, suchas a vacuum vapor deposition method, a nozzle printing method, a spincoating method, a slit coating method, an inkjet method, and reliefprinting.

The cathode 34, made of a translucent conductive material such as ITO,is formed over the organic layer 33 so as to cover the whole surface ofthe pixel P region of the display region D, using a method, for example,such as sputtering. The cathode 34 formed commonly contacts the organiclayer 33 of the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30disposed in each pixel P.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross sectional view at line V-V explaining themanufacturing method of the organic electroluminescence display device 1according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the presentembodiment, the step of forming the sealing film 40 is described byusing an exemplary configuration in which the foreign object 41 a isadhering to the top surface 34 a of the cathode 34 in pixel P.

The step of forming the sealing film 40 includes a step of forming thefirst barrier layer 40 a so as to cover the organic electroluminescencelight-emitting element 30 over the plurality of pixels P, a step offorming the base layer 40 b so as to cover the top surface 40 a 1 of thefirst barrier layer 40 a, and a step of locally forming the inter layer40 c on the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b. In the sealingfilm forming step described below with reference to the flow of FIG. 9,the sealing film 40 is formed in the pixel P region. However, thesealing film 40 may be simultaneously formed also in peripheral region10 a 1 where the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element 30is not formed.

First, the first barrier layer 40 a is formed so as to cover the wholesurface of the pixel P region of the display region D, using, forexample, a plasma CVD method. The method used to form the first barrierlayer 40 a is not limited to a plasma CVD method, and may be any methodselected from, for example, sputtering, vapor deposition, sublimation,CVD (chemical vapor deposition method), ECR-PECVD (electron cyclotronresonance-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method), and acombination of these. Desirably, the first barrier layer 40 a is formedby using SiN. A film denser than a SiO₂ film can be formed by formingthe first barrier layer 40 a as a SiN film. In this way, moisture entryfrom outside can be prevented more effectively than with a barrier layermade from a SiO₂ film.

The first barrier layer 40 a formed covers the organicelectroluminescence light-emitting element 30 (top surface 34 a of thecathode 34) and the foreign object 41 a over the plurality of pixels P.The portion of the first barrier layer 40 a covering the foreign object41 a will be referred to as first barrier layer covering 40 a 2.

When the portion where the foreign object 41 a contacts the top surface34 a of the cathode 34 is a contact surface 41 b, the foreign object 41a obstructs the deposition of the first barrier layer 40 a on the topsurface 34 a around the contact surface 41 b when the material of thefirst barrier layer 40 a is vapor deposited on the top surface 34 a. Thefirst barrier layer 40 a thus becomes thinner in a portion covering thetop surface 34 a around the contact surface 41 b than in outer portions,as depicted in FIG. 7.

Thereafter, the base layer 40 b of, for example, amorphous silicon isformed so as to cover the top surface 40 a 1 of the first barrier layer40 a, using a plasma CVD method. The method used to form the base layer40 b is not limited to a plasma CVD method, and may be any methodselected from, for example, sputtering, vapor deposition, sublimation,CVD (chemical vapor deposition method), ECR-PECVD (electron cyclotronresonance-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method), and acombination of these. The material of the base layer 40 b is not limitedto amorphous silicon, and may be, for example, SiO₂ or SiO. Othermaterials also may be used, provided that these are lyophilic to thematerial of the inter layer 40 c.

The base layer 40 b formed covers the top surface 40 a 1 of the firstbarrier layer 40 a, and the first barrier layer covering 40 a 2. As aresult, the protruding portion 41 is formed that is configured from theforeign object 41 a, the first barrier layer covering 40 a 2, and thebase layer covering 40 b 2 (a portion of the base layer 40 b coveringthe first barrier layer covering 40 a 2).

In the vapor deposition of the material of the base layer 40 b on thetop surface 40 a 1, the foreign object 41 a and the first barrier layercovering 40 a 2 obstruct the deposition of the material to the topsurface 40 a 1 around the contact surface 41 b. The base layer 40 b thusbecomes thinner in a portion around the contact surface 41 b than in theouter portions.

The protruding portion 41 is not limited to the foregoing configuration,provided that the protruding portion 41 is a raised portion of a heightthat exceeds the production tolerance specified for the irregularitiesthat occur in the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b during theformation of the first barrier layer 40 a and the base layer 40 b. Forexample, the protruding portion 41 may be a raised portion formed duringthe production, including a raised portion due to bubbles, or a raisedportion formed by the foreign object 41 a, for example, dust adhered tothe first barrier layer 40 a or the base layer 40 b.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional view at line V-V explaining themanufacturing method of the organic electroluminescence display device 1according to the embodiment of the present invention. The inter layer 40c made of an insulator is locally formed on the top surface 40 b 1 ofthe base layer 40 b. In the step of forming the inter layer 40 c, thedeposition of the inter layer 40 c is stopped once the inter layer 40 cis formed on the step S and the corner portion 42, instead of coveringthe whole surface of the base layer 40 b.

The material of the inter layer 40 c is preferably an organic material,particularly preferably acryl. The material of the inter layer 40 c isnot limited to acryl, and any material may be used, as long as it hashigher affinity to the material of the base layer 40 b than to thematerial of the second barrier layer 40 d (described later). Further,the material of the inter layer 40 c is preferably one that morepreferentially adheres to the step S and the corner portion 42 than tothe top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b during the formation ofthe inter layer 40 c.

By using materials satisfying such conditions, the inter layer 40 cformed with such materials covers at least the step S created by theportion 41 relative to the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b.The portion of the inter layer 40 c covering the step S will be referredto as first covering portion 40 c 2.

Upon forming the inter layer 40 c, the first covering portion 40 c 2covers at least the upper portion 41 d of the portion 41. The firstcovering portion 40 c 2 of the present embodiment covers, for example,the whole surface of the portion 41, and the top surface 40 b 1 of thebase layer 40 b around the portion 41.

Assume that the height to the top surface 40 c 1 of the first coveringportion 40 c 2 with respect to the top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer40 b exposed from the inter layer 40 c is height d2. In this case,covering the step S with the first covering portion 40 c 2 makes theheight d2 smaller than the height d1. Specifically, the surface formedby the top surface 40 c 1 of the inter layer 40 c (first coveringportion 40 c 2) and the top surface 40 b 1 exposed from the inter layer40 c can have better flatness than the surface formed by the top surface40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b and the protruding portion 41.

In addition to covering the step S, the inter layer 40 c may be formedto cover, for example, the corner portion 42 of the top surface 40 b 1of the base layer 40 b. The corner portion 42 is the boundary betweenthe top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b in the pixel P, and thetop surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b on the pixel isolation film14. When the inter layer 40 c covering the corner portion 42 is a secondcovering portion 40 c 3, the second covering portion 40 c 3 is formed onthe top surface 40 b 1, along the inner periphery of the opening of thepixel isolation film 14.

By covering the protruding portion 41 with the second covering portion40 c 3 of the inter layer 40 c, the surface formed by the top surface 40c 1 of the inter layer 40 c and the top surface 40 b 1 exposed from theinter layer 40 c can have better flatness than the surface formed by thetop surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b and the protruding portion 41.

Preferably, the inter layer 40 c is separated from one another betweenthe adjacent pixels P. Specifically, for example, the inter layer 40 c,including the first covering portion 40 c 2, the second covering portion40 c 3, and an island-shaped inter layer 40 c are formed on the topsurface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b in the pixel P, and these areseparated from the inter layer 40 c formed in the adjacent pixels P.

Thus, the contact angle α of each inter layer 40 c formed on the topsurface 40 b 1 with respect to the top surface 40 b 1 (the angle made bythe top surface 40C1 of each inter layer 40 c and the top surface 40 b1) becomes smaller than 90°. The inter layer 40 c may also be formed inany other portions, provided that the inter layer 40 c covers at leastthe step S.

Thereafter, the second barrier layer 40 d is formed so as to cover topsurface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b, and the top surface 40 c 1 of theinter layer 40 c, using, for example, a plasma CVD method. The methodused to form the second barrier layer 40 d is not limited to a plasmaCVD method, and may be selected from any methods. Desirably, the secondbarrier layer 40 d is formed of SiN, as with the case of the firstbarrier layer 40 a. A film denser than a SiO₂ film can be formed withthe SiN film, and moisture entry from outside can be prevented. Thesealing film 40 is formed after these steps.

The wires (not illustrated) formed in the peripheral region 10 a 1 canbe protected by forming the sealing film 40 in the peripheral region 10a 1. When the sealing film 40 is formed over the whole surface of thesubstrate 10, the sealing film 40 may be removed from the connectionterminals of the driver 3 and the flexible circuit board 2 after theformation. In this way, the connection terminals can be formed inregions where the sealing film 40 was removed.

Thereafter, the counter substrate 50 is disposed on the sealing film 40via the filler 45 to form the organic electroluminescence display device1 shown in FIG. 5. The present embodiment has been described through theconfiguration in which the protruding portion 41 is formed on the topsurface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b in pixel P. However, because theprotruding portion 41 is a foreign object, it is desirable not to havethe protruding portion 41 in the pixel P. When there is no foreignobject, the inter layer 40 c is formed along the corner portion 42, andplanarizes the top surface 40C1 in the pixel P region, as shown in FIG.3.

In the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescence displaydevice 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the inter layer 40c is formed on the base layer 40 b, and the first covering portion 40 c2 covers the step S created by protrusion of the portion 41 in the topsurface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b relative to the top surface 40 b 1of the base layer 40 b. In this way, the surface formed by the topsurface 40 c 1 of the inter layer 40 c (first covering portion 40 c 2)and the top surface 40 b 1 exposed from the inter layer 40 c can havebetter flatness than the surface formed by the top surface 40 b 1 of thebase layer 40 b and the protruding portion 41, as compared to an organicelectroluminescence display device manufacturing method that does nothave the present configuration.

Further, because the inter layer 40 c is localized, any accidentalmoisture permeation and diffusion to a part of the inter layer 40 c isconfined within the local region of the inter layer 40 c where the entryof moisture took place. The organic electroluminescence display device 1can thus prevent moisture diffusion through the inter layer 40 c, anddetachment due to moisture permeation more effectively than an organicelectroluminescence display device produced by a manufacturing methodthat does not have the present configuration. The organicelectroluminescence display device 1 can thus have improved brightnessand reliability. The yield of the organic electroluminescence displaydevice 1 also can be improved.

Further, with the second covering portion 40 c 3 of the inter layer 40 cformed along the corner portion 42, the angle α made by the slope of thetop surface of the second barrier layer 40 d at the slanted surface ofthe pixel isolation film 14 becomes smaller than the angle β made by theslope of the top surface of the first barrier layer 40 a at the slantedsurface of the pixel isolation film 14. Specifically, the angle αcreated by the top surface 40 cl of the inter layer 40 c (secondcovering portion 40 c 3) covering the corner portion 42 with respect tothe top surface 40 b 1 of the base layer 40 b becomes smaller than theangle β created by the slanted surface of the pixel isolation film 14and the top surface of the anode 32. Accordingly, the step created bythe second barrier layer 40 d covering the step configured from thepixel isolation film 14, the anode 32, and the second covering portion40 c 3 becomes more gradual than the step created by the second barrierlayer 40 d directly covering the corner portion 42. In this way, thesecond barrier layer 40 d can be more uniformly covered inside andoutside of the pixel P as compared to an organic electroluminescencedisplay device manufacturing method that does not have the presentconfiguration, and can be prevented from fracture due to the step. Thismakes it possible to prevent moisture entry to the inter layer 40 c, andimprove the reliability of the organic electroluminescence displaydevice 1.

Further, because the inter layer 40 c formed is separated from oneanother between the adjacent pixels P, any accidental moisture entry toa part of the inter layer 40 c does not spread to the adjacent pixels Pfrom the pixel P in which the moisture has entered. The organicelectroluminescence display device 1 can thus more effectively preventmoisture diffusion to the adjacent pixels P as compared to an organicelectroluminescence display device produced by a manufacturing methodthat does not have the present configuration.

Further, by forming the inter layer 40 c with an organic material, theaffinity between the material of the base layer 40 b and the material ofthe inter layer 40 c can be increased more than in an organicelectroluminescence display device manufacturing method that does nothave the present configuration. This eliminates the need to form theinter layer 40 c over the whole surface of the inter layer 40 b. Thus,it becomes easier to locally form the inter layer 40 c, and moreeffectively prevent moisture diffusion.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of pixels P of the organic electroluminescencedisplay device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view taken at line XI-XI of FIG.10. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 11 only shows the configurationfrom the passivation film 13 to the sealing film 40.

The organic electroluminescence display device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11have the same configuration as that described with reference to FIG. 3.Specifically, the pixel formed on the substrate includes a thin filmtransistor 11, a pixel electrode (anode) 32 controlled by the thin filmtransistor 11, an organic layer 33 disposed on the anode 32, and acounter electrode (cathode) 34 disposed on the organic layer 33.Accordingly, these constituting elements will not be described.

The pixel P formed for each pixel electrode 32 is covered with thecommon sealing film 40. The sealing film 40 on the pixels P includes afirst region PA1 where the first barrier layer 40 a, the base layer 40b, and the second barrier layer 40 d are laminated, and a second regionAP2 where the first barrier layer 40 a, the base layer 40 b, the interlayer 40 c, and the second barrier layer 40 d are laminated.

The first region PA1 overlaps the emission region of the pixel P. Thesecond barrier layer 40 d is directly laminated on the base layer 40 bin the first region PA1, and the second barrier layer 40 d more stronglyadheres to the base layer 40 b than in a display device that does nothave the present configuration. The second barrier layer 40 d can thusbe prevented from being detached from the base layer 40 b. The secondregion PA2 is formed over an area from a part of the emission region ofthe pixel P to a region overlapping a part of the pixel isolation film14 provided as an insulating film.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first region PA1 is surrounded by thesecond region PA2 in planar view, and the inter layer 40 c is not formedin a central portion of the emission region (the region of the organiclayer 33 sandwiched between the anode 32 and the cathode 34 in contacttherewith) E. The emission region E can thus have a smaller area of theinter layer 40 c region than in an organic electroluminescence displaydevice of related art in which the inter layer 40 c is formed throughoutthe emission region E. This makes it possible to suppress attenuation ofthe emitted light from the organic layer 33, and the organicelectroluminescence display device 1 can have improved luminance.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the localized formation ofthe inter layer 40 c is made possible by the base layer 40 b made of amaterial having affinity to the inter layer 40 c and provided on thefirst barrier layer 40 a. The inter layer 40 c thus more preferentiallyforms on the step S and the corner portion 42 than on the flat regions,and can be selectively formed only on the step S and the corner portion42.

In the organic electroluminescence display device 1 of the presentembodiment, the sealing film 40 can have more desirable adhesion andsealing performance than in an organic electroluminescence displaydevice that does not have the present configuration. This makes itpossible to suppress detachment of the sealing film 40, and improve theviewability and the coupling-out efficiency of the organicelectroluminescence display device 1.

EXAMPLES

The organic electroluminescence display device 1, and the manufacturingmethod thereof according to the embodiment of the present invention aredescribed below in greater detail using Examples. It should be notedthat the present invention is not limited by the following Examples.

Example 1

First, the circuit layer 12 was formed on the insulating substrate 10,followed by formation of the anode 32, the pixel isolation film 14, theorganic layer 33 having at least a light-emitting layer, and the cathode34. As a result, the organic electroluminescence light-emitting element30 was formed for each pixel P, as shown in FIG. 6.

Thereafter, the first barrier layer 40 a, made of SiN and having athickness of 500 nm, was formed on the organic electroluminescencelight-emitting element 30 (on the cathode 34) by using a plasma CVDmethod with SiH₄, NH₃, and N₂ gas materials, as shown in FIG. 7. Thesubstrate temperature was brought to 100° C. or less during thedeposition of the first barrier layer 40 a.

The base layer 40 b, made of amorphous silicon and having a thickness of2 nm, was then formed so as to cover the top surface 40 a 1 of the firstbarrier layer 40 a, using a plasma CVD method with a SiH₄ gas material.The substrate temperature was brought to 100° C. or less during thedeposition of the base layer 40 b.

Thereafter, acryl was applied to the top surface 40 b 1 of the baselayer 40 b. The applied acryl locally covered only the protrudingportion 41 and the corner portion 42. The acryl was then polymerized byUV irradiation to form the inter layer 40 c shown in FIG. 8.

The second barrier layer 40 d, made of SiN and having a thickness of 500nm, was then formed so as to cover the top surface 40 b 1 of the baselayer 40 b and the top surface 40 c 1 of the inter layer 40 c, using aplasma CVD method with SiH₄, NH₃, and N₂ gas materials. The substratetemperature was brought to 100° C. or less during the deposition of thesecond barrier layer 40 d. The sealing film 40 was formed after thesesteps.

Thereafter, the counter substrate 50 was bonded to the sealing film 40after being coated with a 6 μm-thick sealant BM and the filler 45. Thiscompleted the organic electroluminescence display device 1 shown in FIG.5.

The organic electroluminescence display device 1 obtained in the examplewas tested in an 85° C., 85% humidity atmosphere. The observed resultdid not show any sign of spread of dark spots in the emission region, ordelamination of the sealing film 40 due to moisture entry into thesealing film 40. It was thus confirmed that moisture diffusion from thepoint of moisture entry in the sealing film 40 was suppressed.

Comparative Example 1

The inter layer 40 c was formed so as to cover the top surface 40 a 1 ofthe first barrier layer 40 a, without forming the base layer 40 b. Theinter layer 40 c formed covered the whole surface of the pixel P regionof the top surface 40 a 1. The organic electroluminescence displaydevice was completed in the same manner as in Example 1.

The organic electroluminescence display device 1 obtained in thecomparative example was tested in an 85° C., 85% humidity atmosphere.The observed result showed signs of spread of dark spots in the emissionregion, and delamination of the sealing film 40 due to moisture entryinto the sealing film 40. It was thus confirmed that moisture diffusionoccurred from the point of moisture entry in the sealing film 40.

While there have been described what are at present considered to becertain embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that variousmodifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appendedclaim cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit andscope of the invention.

1. A display device comprising: a first substrate; a plurality oforganic emitting elements on the first substrate, each of the organicemitting elements including an anode, an organic emitting layer on theanode, and a cathode on the organic emitting layer, the organic emittingelements sharing the cathode; an insulation film exposing a part of theanode and covering an edge of the anode of each of the organic emittingelements; and a sealing film covering the organic emitting elements andthe insulation film, the sealing film including a first barrier layer, abase layer including silicon oxide or amorphous silicon on the firstbarrier layer, an organic layer on the base layer, and a second barrierlayer on the base layer and the organic layer, a first thickness of thefirst barrier layer being thicker than a second thickness of the baselayer, wherein the first barrier layer includes SiN or SiON, and thesecond barrier layer includes SiN or SiON.
 2. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the sealing film includes a first regionwhere the first barrier layer, the base layer, and the second barrierlayer are laminated and the second barrier layer is in physical contactwith the base layer; and a second region where the first barrier layer,the base layer, the organic layer, and the second barrier layer arelaminated.
 3. The display device according to claim 2, furthercomprising a plurality of second regions including the second region,and wherein the first region is arranged between two of the secondregions in a cross sectional view.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The display deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein both the organic emitting layer and thecathode cover the insulation film, wherein the cathode includes a firstportion directly above the insulation film, a second portion in anopening of the insulation film, and a third portion between the firstportion and the second portion, and wherein the first region is arrangeddirectly above the first and second portions and the second region isarranged directly above the third portion.
 6. The display deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a filler on the sealing film;and a second substrate on the filler.
 7. The display device according toclaim 3, wherein a first contact angle of the organic layer with respectto the base layer is smaller than a second contact angle of theinsulation film with respect to the anode.
 8. A display devicecomprising: a first substrate; a plurality of pixels arranged in amatrix on the first substrate, each of the pixels including a pixelcircuit and an organic emitting element connected to the pixel circuit,the pixel circuit including a first thin film transistor and a secondthin film transistor connected to the first thin film transistor, theorganic emitting element including an anode connected to the first thinfilm transistor, an organic emitting layer on the anode, and a cathodeon the organic emitting layer; an insulation film exposing a part of theanode and covering an edge of the anode; and a sealing film covering thepixel circuit, the organic emitting element, and the insulation film,the sealing film including a first inorganic layer having a firstthickness, a base layer including silicon oxide or amorphous silicon onthe first inorganic layer and having a second thickness smaller than thefirst thickness, an organic layer on the base layer, and a secondinorganic layer on the organic layer, wherein the first inorganic layerincludes SiN or SiON, and the second inorganic layer includes SiN orSiON.
 9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the sealingfilm includes a first region where the first inorganic layer, the baselayer, and the second inorganic layer are laminated and the secondinorganic layer is in physical contact with the base layer; and a secondregion where the first inorganic layer, the base layer, the organiclayer, and the second inorganic layer are laminated.
 10. The displaydevice according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of secondregions including the second region, wherein the first region isarranged between two of the second regions in a cross sectional view,and wherein the first inorganic layer includes a first barrier layer,and the second inorganic layer includes a second barrier layer. 11.(canceled)
 12. The display device according to claim 9, wherein both theorganic emitting layer and the cathode cover the insulation film, theinsulation film has an opening exposing the part of the anode and a topsurface located outside the opening, the anode has an exposed regionwhich is exposed by the opening, the cathode includes a first portion, asecond portion, and a third portion between the first and secondportions, the first portion is located directly above the top surface,the second portion is located directly above a part of the exposedregion and does not face an entirety of the exposed region, the thirdportion overlaps an outer periphery of the part of exposed region in aplanar view, the first region is located directly above both the firstand second portions, and the second region is located directly above thethird portion.
 13. The display device according to claim
 8. furthercomprising: a filler on the sealing film; and a second substrate on thefiller.
 14. The display device according to claim 8, wherein a firstcontact angle of the organic layer with respect to the base layer issmaller than a second contact angle of the insulation film with respectto the anode.
 15. The display device according to claim 9, wherein thefirst thin film transistor includes a semiconductor layer, wherein theinsulation film has an opening exposing the part of the anode, whereinboth the part of the anode and an edge portion of the insulation filmoverlap the semiconductor layer in plan view, and wherein the secondregion overlaps the semiconductor layer.
 16. A display devicecomprising: a first substrate; a plurality of organic emitting elementson the first substrate, each of the organic emitting elements includingan anode, an organic emitting layer on the anode, and a cathode on theorganic emitting layer, the organic emitting elements sharing thecathode; an insulation film exposing a part of the anode and covering anedge of the anode; and a sealing film covering the organic emittingelements and the insulation film, the sealing film including a firstlayer including SiON or SiN and having a first thickness, a second layerincluding silicon oxide or amorphous silicon on the first layer andhaving a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, an organiclayer on the second layer, and a third layer including SiON or SiN onthe organic layer.
 17. The display device according to claim 16, whereinthe sealing film includes a first region where the first layer, thesecond layer, and the third layer are laminated without the organiclayer; and a second region where the first layer, the second layer, theorganic layer, and the third layer are laminated.
 18. The display deviceaccording to claim 17, further comprising a plurality of second regionsincluding the second region, wherein the first region is arrangedbetween two of the second regions in cross sectional view.
 19. Thedisplay device according to claim 18, wherein both the organic emittinglayer and the cathode cover the insulation film, the insulation film hasan opening exposing the part of the anode and a top surface locatedoutside the opening, the anode has an exposed region which is exposed bythe opening, the cathode includes a first portion, a second portion, anda third portion between the first and second portions, the first portionis located directly above the top surface, the second portion is locateddirectly above a part of the exposed region and does not face anentirety of the exposed region, the third portion overlaps an outerperiphery of the part of exposed region in a planar view, the firstregion is located directly above both the first and second portions, andthe second region is located directly above the third portion.
 20. Thedisplay device according to claim 18, wherein a first contact angle ofthe organic layer with respect to the base layer is smaller than asecond contact angle of the insulation film with respect to the anode.